Overdoing It

Insights from The Weekly REBOOT

By: Evan Owens

In our series "Over It," we explore how to stop overthinking and underestimating God. While preparing this series, I got a bit more vulnerable than I intended, but I felt it was necessary to share my struggles with you. After all, REBOOT is all about creating a safe space where we can drop our guards and let God work through us.

This week we’re talking about overdoing it—going overboard, taking things too far, or as some say, “doing too much.” If you find yourself constantly stressing over perfection and feeling frustrated when others don't seem to share your commitment, this one's for you.

A Lesson from Mary and Martha

Let's talk about the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was working tirelessly to prepare for Jesus, while Mary was sitting at His feet, listening. When Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her, He replied, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

This story challenges us to look beyond our busyness and consider our motives. Are we like Martha, focusing on cultural expectations and trying to impress, or like Mary, seeking meaningful connections and focusing on what truly matters?

A Shift in Focus

Martha was busy serving, but she was missing out on a relationship with Jesus. She was so focused on her tasks that she lost sight of what was important. This can happen to us too, especially when we prioritize performance over relationships.

To stop overdoing it, we must shift our focus back to Jesus and away from cultural pressures. Instead of seeking praise and perfection, we need to seek peace and connection. Biblical hospitality isn't about impressing others; it's about welcoming them into a safe and authentic space.

Finding Peace in a Busy World

In Luke 10:41, Jesus tells Martha, "You are worried and upset about many things." Sound familiar? It's easy to get caught up in the chaos of daily life. But Jesus offers a peace that can't be shaken. He invites us to let go of our fears, people-pleasing, and need for control.

Overdoing it is a sign that we need to reorient ourselves toward what truly matters. It might mean repenting from our obsession with productivity or from neglecting important relationships. It might mean embracing Biblical hospitality and focusing on people rather than performance.

The Challenge for Today

The story of Mary and Martha encourages us to ask ourselves, "Am I overdoing it? Am I focused on the right things?" It's not easy, but it's necessary. We need to find balance and allow God's peace to guard our hearts. Just as Martha changed, so can we. We can stop overdoing it, let go of our need to impress, and rediscover the joy of genuine relationships.

Let's choose to focus on what matters most and find the peace that only Jesus can give. Are you ready to stop overdoing it? Let’s embrace a new way of living, filled with authentic connections and a deeper relationship with God.